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Family Tree in Lakewood helps those in need find success

By Ryan ParkerThe Denver Post

Posted:
01/16/2014 12:01:00 AM MST

Updated:
01/16/2014 07:46:59 AM MST

Agnes Dondelinger and her 7-year-old son, Angel Ramirez, talked about his taking a shower before bedtime Tuesday. They were homeless for eight months before finding help at Family Tree in November. (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)

LAKEWOOD — Agnes Dondelinger considers the attentive care she has received from Family Tree as nothing short of a blessing.

Dondelinger, 23, and her 7-year-old son, Angel Ramirez, were homeless for eight months before finding help at the nonprofit in November.

Every day, Dondelinger takes another step in the positive direction she wants her life to go, and she does so with a little more confidence thanks to the support she has been given by Family Tree staff.

"I really feel like they truly care about us," she said. "They have done so much to make sure our needs are met."

Family Tree, a past recipient of Denver Post Charities Season to Share funding, provides services designed to end child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and homelessness, spokeswoman Dana Juniel said.

Those services have had a profound impact on Dondelinger, who said she is now successfully managing her finances while preparing to return to college for a pharmacy degree.

Dondelinger is participating in the Housing for Education Stability and Success program, which provides a safe, affordable living environment for formerly homeless families with children in Jefferson County Public Schools.

"When I first met Agnes, she came off as shy and unsure of herself," said her case manager, Sam Landis. "Since working with her in this short period of time, she has become a lot more vocal and a very good advocate for herself."

Dondelinger said she's grateful for all the assistance — but even more thankful for the compassion shown to her and her child, especially at Christmas.

"I wanted Christmas to be special for (Angel), but they wanted it to be special for both of us," she said. "It felt really good when I was asked what I wanted for Christmas."

Dondelinger participated in Family Tree's Holidays of Hope, in which she and Angel received clothing, household items and food from Family Tree donors, Landis said.

No longer filled with anxiety and fear about the future, Dondelinger said she feels she is in control of the bright path set for her and her son.

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